Quick Answer
DShot is the modern standard for most FPV builds. It offers digital communication, higher refresh rates, and better support for advanced features like RPM filtering. Multishot still has niche use for older F0 ESCs or specific racing scenarios, but DShot's advantages make it the default choice for new builds.
Understanding ESC Protocols
ESC protocols dictate how your flight controller talks to your electronic speed controllers. Older protocols like PWM sent analogue pulses every 20ms, creating noticeable delay. Oneshot and Multishot improved this by reducing pulse width to 125µs and 25µs respectively.
DShot sends digital packets containing throttle and telemetry data. This enables bidirectional communication between ESC and flight controller, delivering cleaner signals and better noise immunity. Modern ESCs like the SEQURE Blueson A1 support DShot600, DShot300, and legacy Multishot for flexibility.
DShot Advantages
DShot600 updates at 600kHz, faster than Multishot's maximum. This gives smoother motor response and cleaner throttle during rapid changes. DShot supports bidirectional telemetry, letting your ESC send RPM data back for RPM filtering in Betaflight. This uses actual motor speed to adjust filtering dynamically. Multishot cannot do this as it's one-way only.
DShot handles signal noise better too. Digital packets are less affected by electrical interference from power lines or video transmitters, making DShot more reliable in noisy builds.
When Multishot Still Makes Sense
Older ESCs with F0 microcontrollers cannot handle DShot. These still benefit from Multishot's lower latency compared to PWM or Oneshot. Some racing pilots find Multishot feels punchier on throttle snaps due to the 25µs pulse width.
However, RPM filtering and telemetry advantages make DShot the default for modern builds. New ESCs and flight controllers are optimised for DShot.
Choosing Your Protocol
Check your ESC specifications first. Modern AM32 and BLHeli_32 ESCs from the Motors and ESC collection list DShot compatibility in their supported protocols. If your ESC supports DShot, run DShot300 or DShot600. The lower DShot300 setting provides headroom for higher refresh rates, whilst DShot600 offers maximum response speed if your flight controller handles it.
If you're using older hardware that only supports Multishot, stick with Multishot over Oneshot. You'll get lower latency and better throttle resolution. Just be aware you'll miss out on RPM filtering and telemetry features that require digital communication.
For mixed setups where some ESCs support DShot and others only Multishot, you'll need to run the entire quad on the lowest common denominator. In this case, Multishot on all ESCs ensures consistent performance across the power system.
Setup and Testing
Changing protocols is straightforward in Betaflight. Go to the Motors tab, select your desired protocol from the dropdown, and save. Betaflight will flash your ESCs automatically via the configuration tab if you have BLHeli_32 or AM32 firmware installed.
After changing protocols, test thoroughly. Spin up each motor individually and check for smooth response. Listen for sync issues or stuttering, which can indicate protocol incompatibility or signal problems. Run a few test hovers and aggressive manoeuvres to confirm everything feels right before heading out for a full flight.
FAQ
Q: Is DShot always better than Multishot?
A: For most modern builds, yes. DShot offers digital communication, RPM filtering, and better noise immunity. Multishot only makes sense for older F0 ESCs or specific racing scenarios where you've tested and found it performs better.
Q: Will DShot damage my ESC?
A: No, DShot is a standard protocol fully supported by modern ESC firmware. If your ESC lists DShot in its supported protocols, it's designed to handle digital signals without issue.
Q: Can I mix DShot and Multishot ESCs?
A: Not on the same flight controller. All four ESCs must run the same protocol. If you have mismatched hardware, run everything on the lowest common protocol supported by all ESCs.